Greece To Commence Processing Of Schengen Visa In Benghazi
The Greek consulate located in Benghazi, Libya has announced that they will begin accepting Schengen visa applications starting February 12th.
Greece is expanding its reach to process Schengen visa applications to include the Libyan city of Benghazi.
As of February 12th, the Greek consulate in Benghazi will begin accepting visa requests from individuals who wish to travel to Greece and other Schengen Area countries.
This move represents a significant step forward for Greek-Libyan relations and will make it easier for Libyan citizens to travel to Greece for business, tourism, and other purposes.
The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished border control, allowing for the free movement of people, goods, and services between them. A Schengen visa is required for citizens of certain countries, including Libya, to travel to these countries.
By establishing a processing center in Benghazi, Greece is making it easier and more convenient for Libyan citizens to obtain a Schengen visa and travel to Europe.
This development will also have economic benefits for both Greece and Libya. The increased travel between the two countries is expected to boost trade and investment opportunities, as well as create jobs and support local economies.
In addition, it will provide a boost to the tourism industry in Greece as more Libyan citizens will be able to visit the country and experience its rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture.
For Libyan citizens, the opening of the Greek consulate in Benghazi is a welcome development. It will save them time and money as they no longer have to travel to other cities to apply for a visa.
Furthermore, it will also provide them with more convenient access to visa processing services, allowing them to plan their trips to Greece with greater ease and peace of mind.
In conclusion, the decision by Greece to start processing Schengen visa requests in Benghazi, Libya is a positive development for both countries.
It will promote greater economic and cultural exchange and provide Libyan citizens with improved access to visa processing services. As such, it is a welcome step forward in the continued improvement of Greek-Libyan relations.
The consulate has announced that the application information on the website will soon be available in Arabic, in addition to the current English version. The Greek Ambassador to Libya, Stravos Venizelos, confirmed to Libyan media that the processing of Schengen visas at the consulate will commence in Benghazi.
However, the consulate is not yet technically equipped to issue visas, and applications will be received by the processing company, VFS Global, in Benghazi before being transferred to Tripoli for processing. The Ambassador expressed hope that the visas can be issued locally in Benghazi by June.
According to the record, 295,634 applications were made for uniform visas, and 269,287 of them were issued, including 239,711 multiple entry visas. 5,549 long-term visas were issued, while 18,545 uniform visas were not granted.
The Greek consulate located in Moscow, Russia, has the highest volume of visa applications among all other consulates, with a total of 154,339 submissions. Out of these, 149,904 ATVs and uniform visas were approved for Russian applicants, while 3,857 were not granted. The rejection rate for this nationality stands at 2.51 percent for ATVs and uniform visas.
The Greek consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, stands as the second busiest in terms of visa applications. A total of 29,033 applications were received, including ATVs, MEVs, and LTVs. Despite the high volume, the consulate was able to process and issue 25,805 visas, resulting in a not-issued rate of 10.27% or 2,955 applications.
Greek consulates in Russia have the highest number of visa applications, but the Greek consulate in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is also among the top with a total of 13,350 applications. Other consulates that have a significant number of applications include the consulate in Riyadh (7,385), Beirut (7,116), Yerevan (4,681), Pristina (4,566) and Izmir (4,560).
It's important to note that the specific requirements for a Greek visa can vary based on the purpose of your trip and the country you are applying from. Additionally, some consulates may require additional documentation, so it's a good idea to check with the specific consulate you plan to apply to in order to confirm their requirements.
Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or a letter of sponsorship, may also be required to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Greece.
If you are traveling for business purposes, you may need to provide additional documents such as a letter of invitation from a Greek company or a business plan for your trip.
Finally, it's always a good idea to make copies of all the documents you submit and to keep them in a safe place, in case the original documents are lost or damaged.